South African Institute of Valuers (SAIV)

About the South African Institute of Valuers

The South African Institute of Valuers (SAIV) is the national society for professional property valuers. It was founded in 1909, so it has served the profession for more than a century. Its stated aim is to promote the common interests of valuers and to keep ethical standards high.

SAIV works alongside the South African Council for the Property Valuers Profession (SACPVP). The Council regulates the profession by law. The Institute, in contrast, acts as the professional body that supports its members. It offers webinars, seminars and short courses, and it gives members continuing professional development points. It also keeps a public directory so that clients can verify a valuer.

How SAIV supports students

Property valuation is a narrow, specialised field. As a result, the pipeline of new valuers is small. The SAIV bursary exists to help students who are working towards a qualification in this field. It also builds a link between young people and the profession before they graduate. The Institute runs a Candidacy Programme as well, which guides young valuers on the road to professional registration.

The bursary is aimed at students studying towards a property valuation qualification. According to the Institute, the course must be accredited by the SACPVP. Postgraduate students may also apply. Funding is not an automatic right for later years. Each year needs a fresh application, and a bursary in one year does not guarantee one in the next.

The Institute has not announced a formal work-back obligation. However, earlier information suggests that recipients may need to stay SAIV student members and may not hold another bursary at the same time. Applicants should confirm these conditions with the Institute before they apply.

What to know before applying

Applicants must complete three first-year subjects before they can apply. They must then submit a completed application form, academic transcripts that show satisfactory performance, and a quote from their accredited institution. The form can be downloaded from the SAIV website. It goes to the office of the General Manager.

The most recent call ran from 1 September to 31 October 2026. Conditional approval follows in November. After that, applicants hand in their exam marks, and final approval comes in January. Branch interviews are also part of the process, with three officials taking part.

The amount of money is not fixed on the Institute's page. Instead, it depends on the institution's quote and the student's circumstances. Dates can change from year to year, so check the SAIV website for the current cycle. In short, the SAIV bursary suits committed property valuation students who want funding and a professional network at the same time.